[plug] The cost for a free OS

[HILL Walter]

Amazon might look attractive right now but come the GST next year,
barring some major policy reversal, the landed costs of imported books
is going to go up.

Currently books (& computer software) are free of duty and exempt sales
tax. Under the proposed regime, a 10% GST will be applicable at the time
of importation. ALSO the valuation basis will shift from FOB to CIF
increasing the taxable value of the book.

The GST is based on the CIF cost of the goods. IE FOB plus overseas
freight and insurance. EG a US$50 book sent by sea freight say US$ 5 ==>
CIF US$ 55. Would have GST of 55 / 0.6298 * 10%

If you send the same book via FedEx or another freight forwarding
company and with a freight cost of say US$20 then GST = (50 + 20) /
0.6298 * 10%.

Also the way Amazon keeps losing money their shareholders are going to
get wary and start selling. Amazon could cease to exist.

	Books are an endless problem, particularly computer books which
most
	bookshops seem to feel are open to enormous markups. Dymocks I
found
	ludicrous recently when I wanted a Sybase book. $90 from Sydney
in about 4
	days. $90 from Perth in 4-6 weeks, or $70 from amazon.com in
just over a
	week.

	Guess which one I chose ?

	Paul
Walter...
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Walter Hill                                   ,-_|\
w.hill at computer.org                          /     \
walter.hill at customs.gov.au                   \_,-._/
+ 61 8 9430 1505 (Voice) + 61 8 9430 1391 (Fax).